Machakos Woman Representative Joyce Kamene has urged young people to enrol in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to acquire skills that can help them become self-reliant.
Speaking during a graduation ceremony at Great Nairobi East College in Mavoko on Monday, Kamene said youth empowerment through skills training remains a key part of her agenda.
“I thank Great Nairobi East College for its commitment to skilling our youth. We have eleven students sponsored by the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) who today graduated after being trained in various courses which include computer, hospitality, caregiving, electrical engineering and beauty,” Kamene said.
She said vulnerable youths, particularly in Mlolongo, need support to access technical training because of the nature of settlements in the area.
“There are vulnerable youth in Machakos, especially Mlolongo. I urge young people who have sat their KCSE or dropped out of school in Form Two or Three and would like to attain skills to come for sponsorships. We do sponsor them, and I have identified a nice place where we have done inspections and seen that they have a facility that can accommodate some students. My goal is to ensure that we empower our youth,” she said.
“When they have skills, they won’t sleep hungry. Instead of waiting for employment opportunities and we know that job opportunities are scarce, I encourage them to acquire life skills so that they become independent,” she added.
Kamene also encouraged skilled youths to form groups to enable her office to support them with tools and equipment to start businesses.
“To our youth out there, as Mama County, I care and want what is best for you. Today we had eleven students who graduated here. We intend to sponsor at least 30 students and above in this area,” she said.
Kamene said her youth empowerment programmes have benefited more than 2,000 needy youths across the county.
“We had a graduation of 100 students last month. They were all trained in computers. Last week we had others in Ikombe. We try to make sure that we reach youths in every corner since the county is vast. One hundred students from Masinga, Mwala and Yatta sub-counties were enrolled in Vota Technical Institute. So far we have hit a record of at least 2,000 students in the county,” she said.
She said her office is also supporting teenage mothers who dropped out of school to return to education.
“We ensure that such girls are taken back to school to complete their education and sit exams. Mwala and Yatta sub-counties have the highest numbers of such cases. We don’t want to leave behind those who have been impregnated and young mothers. We also want to ensure they get education and relevant skills,” she said.
Great Nairobi East College Director Mary Kimanzi thanked Kamene for supporting young people through skills training.
“Through her programmes, I’m seeing young people being uplifted and helped to become independent in life. That’s where we come in as a college. We give them skills that can help them make it in life,” Kimanzi said.
She said the skills offered by the college can enable graduates to start businesses instead of relying solely on formal employment.
“The good thing with these skills is that one needs not to be employed. They can just set up something like a salon and earn a living. We offer courses which young people can use to employ themselves. They include electrical, hospitality and hairdressing. We are happy to be part of Mama County’s programme,” she added.
Kimanzi said the college is ready to continue partnering with the Woman Representative to support more vulnerable youths
